Bad Economy Means More Motions to Decrease Child Support

The number of motions by dads to decrease child their child support payments are on the rise as a result of the problem economy. The rate of unemployment for men is 9.8% compared to 7.5% for women. And there are more noncustodial dads than moms out there.

Motions to modify child support have tripled in the last one and a half years in Prince George’s County, Maryland. It used to be most motions were from custodial parents seeking an increase. Now most motions are from noncustodial parents seeking a decrease.

Unless the parties are able to work it out for themselves, and file a consent order changing alimony, the court will have to determine whether it is in the best interest of the child to reduce child support. There will be a hearing and it is not enough to say the economy is bad and I lost my job. The judge will want to know what actions you are taking to do something about it.